Jahn launches BOE bid

CROMWELL -- Former Selectman and State Rep. Bob Jahn petitioned the town Wednesday to be included on the November ballot as an independent candidate for the Board of Selectmen.

LAURA KENNEDY

Published
12:00 am EDT, Thursday, August 9, 2001

Jahn, who has lived in Cromwell since 1960, has been heavily involved in government for the past few decades. Currently finishing a four-year term as a member of the Board of Education, the registered Republican was not nominated to run for any office at last month's GOP caucus. But "we need some changes in town government," he said.

Republican Registrar of Voters Mary Amenta said she couldn't recall a Republican or Democrat running independently in Cromwell. "Obviously, he will draw some Republican votes and Democratic votes as well," Amenta said.

However, the popularity of the candidate will determine how much the election is affected. Right now, there's now way to tell, she said.

Town Clerk Darlene DiProto said Jahn was required by the Secretary of State's office to attain signatures from at least 1 percent of the total voter turnout from the last municipal election. In Cromwell's case, that percentage was equal to 35 signatures.

Jahn submitted 53 signatures Wednesday morning. One was rejected because, while the man was a local business owner, he was not a town resident, DiProto said.

Jahn, a retired engineer, also served a four-year term on the Board of Education from 1973 to 1977. He was a member of the Board of Finance for 10 years during the 1980s and was elected to one term as a selectman in the early 1990s. He was state representative for the 32nd District -- which includes Cromwell, Portland and part of Middletown -- from 1984 to 1985.

He has also served on the charter revision and capital expenditures committees.

Jahn said he is unsure if he will work with the other independent candidate in the election, Ernie Lacore, who is running for first selectman.

Mark Rose, the only other citizen to take out a petition, did not return it by the close of business on Wednesday and will not be included on the ballot. The registered Republican had weighed running for first selectman.